The market for wristwatches, the original men’s jewelry, is having a banner year. Galvanized by soaring demand, watchmakers have turned out a fresh crop of blue-dialed beauties this fall, just in time for the holidays. Below, we highlight a quintet of our faves (with a bonus Zenith model, at top, thrown in for good measure!).
Chopard L.U.C Flying T Twin
To honor the 25th anniversary of the Chopard manufacture, the Geneva-based brand has created a 50-piece limited edition of its ultrathin flying tourbillon. Housed in a 40 mm case made out of ethical 18k white gold, the model is powered by a chronometer-certified calibre equipped with L.U.C Twin technology (based on two stacked barrels and high-precision functions including a stop-seconds). The dial features a hand-guilloche gold honeycomb pattern, a reference to the manufacture’s beehive symbol, and comes on a matching leather strap. Price on request; Chopard
Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph
Now available in a 42.5 mm titanium case with a blue color scheme, the Air Command Flyback Chronograph is the modern-day heir to Blancpain’s popular Air Command Flyback Chronograph from the 1950s. With its monochromatic dial and bezel, robust F388B automatic movement, and sporty blue calfskin leather strap, the 2021 redux is as fetching as ever. $18,500; Blancpain
Zenith Defy Zero G Sapphire
For a glimpse of watchmaking’s future, check out the new Defy Zero G Sapphire from Zenith. Equipped with the El Primero 8812 S manual movement, the watch, which comes in a 46 mm full sapphire case, is primed for space travel thanks to its gravity control mechanism, which contains a gimbal that maintains the balance and spring in a flat position. Catch a glimpse of Mars at 10 o’clock, partially eclipsed by the hour and minute dial. Available in a limited edition of 10 pieces. $159,700; Zenith
Citizen Promaster Navihawk A-T
Inspired by a pilot’s visual experience in the cockpit, the newly relaunched Promaster Navihawk combines a chronograph, perpetual calendar, and power reserve indicator in a sturdy 48 mm stainless steel case fronted by a gradient blue dial accented by silver-tone hands and luminous red hands and markers. Capable of showing the time in 26 time zones and synched to atomic time for superior accuracy, the watch runs on proprietary Citizen Eco-Drive technology, which means it’s sustainably powered by any light source. $650; Citizen
Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date
The newest iteration of the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date from Glashütte Original features a dark blue dial achieved through the painstaking process of galvanization. The model’s iconic cushion-shaped case, with its retro 1970s sensibility, houses a hand-finished automatic movement designed and built by the Saxon manufactory. With a choice of four straps—blue Louisiana alligator leather, brown-gray nubuck leather, black rubber, or a stainless steel bracelet—this handsome 40 mm chronograph is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. $13,400; Glashuette
Top: Defy 21 Tourbillon Sapphire and Defy Zero G Sapphire in 46 mm sapphire cases, $180,000 and $159,700; Zenith
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